Relationship between Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake and the Risk of Dental Caries Among Primary School Children: A Cross-Sectional Study in Nonthaburi Province, Thailand

Abstract

Background: Dental caries remains a significant public health concern among primary school children, with sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption identified as a major risk factor. Our study aimed to investigate the association between SSB consumption and dental caries risk among primary school children in Nonthaburi Province, Thailand.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 400 primary school students aged 10-12 years, selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire assessing SSB consumption patterns, oral hygiene practices, and socio-demographic factors. Dental examinations were performed to determine the presence of dental caries. We used multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with dental caries risk.

Results: We found a dental caries prevalence of 62.5% among our study population. High SSB consumption (>3 times/week) was significantly associated with increased dental caries risk (adjusted OR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.68-3.27, p<0.001). Other factors significantly associated with dental caries risk included inadequate tooth brushing (adjusted OR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.32-2.65, p=0.001) and low parental education level (adjusted OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.12-2.18, p=0.009).

Conclusions: Our findings suggest a strong association between high SSB consumption and increased dental caries risk among primary school children in Nonthaburi Province. These results highlight the need for targeted interventions to reduce SSB consumption and promote oral health education in this population.